M Venkaiah Naidu favours moderation while using social media to prevent abuse, calls for ending farmers’ stir – NewsGater , NewsGater

Venkaiah Naidu archive image. PTI

New Delhi: Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu on Friday called for moderation in the use of social networks to prevent abuse and avoid controversies so as not to hurt anyone’s feelings.

His comments came in the context of the government expressing “strong disgust” over Twitter’s delay in taking swift action against accounts and hashtags spreading misinformation and provocative content about farmers’ agitation.

In an informal interaction with journalists, Naidu, who is also the chairman of Rajya Sabha, called for an early resolution to the ongoing farmer agitation through talks, saying that extreme or maximalist positions would not help solve the problem.

Referring to the speech on the deletion and restoration of some Twitter accounts regarding some comments on the agitation of farmers, Naidu emphasized that the best way to use social networks effectively without offending others is for users to adopt the principle of moderation in the generation of content.

When asked what he meant by moderation, the vice president said extreme positions should not be taken so as not to hurt anyone’s feelings.

Stating that he was against the control of social media, Naidu said that such effective platforms should not be misused or abused, and that social media should not be allowed to become theaters of war.

“Wars are dangerous for everyone,” he said.

“Content for social media should be generated sparingly and responsibly, taking into account reactions to such content. Such reflection would minimize offensive posts. Provocation should not be the goal. Sharing opinions to gain better perspectives should be.” Said Vice The president said.

On the agitation of farmers, he said that taking extreme or maximalist positions would not help solve the problem.

“Both the government and the farmers are willing to keep talking even after 11 rounds of discussion that have already been held. The talks must move forward for an early resolution of the problem,” Naidu said.

“The adoption of extreme or maximalist positions on either side makes it difficult to resolve the issue, as it makes it difficult to adapt the other point of view. Therefore, the principle of moderation also applies in this case,” he said.

Referring to the 100 years since the first direct elections to the country’s central and provincial legislatures in 1920 and the consolidation of India as a democracy and a republic, he said: “Democracy has to do with the discussion and negotiated resolution of differences. It inherently demands moderation without taking extreme decisions. “

“It applies to both social media issues and farmer agitation.”

Thousands of farmers have been protesting since late November on Delhi’s borders with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, demanding the repeal of three contentious laws, which they believe would pave the way for the dismantling of the minimum price support system, leaving them “at the mercy of “from large corporations.

However, the Center has argued that the laws will provide better opportunities for farmers and introduce new technologies in agriculture.

Naidu said that during the Budgeting session, Rajya Sabha witnessed the crescendo of positivity and posted close to 100 percent productivity during the first half.

He noted that during the farewell of four retired House members, including opposition leader Ghulam Nabi Azad, Rajya Sabha witnessed a “crescendo of positivity with both sides expressing and demonstrating mutual goodwill and the prime minister leading the way in In this regard”.

“Such a human spirit brings out the best in everything. Although political differences are destined to exist, such a spirit of recognition of the contributions of all sections of the House builds bridges,” said President Rajya Sabha.